MISSION — Great pitching, even better defense and clutch batting with runners in scoring position lifted Brownsville Lopez to the first playoff win in its softball program’s history.
The Lobos defeated the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks 5-1 on Thursday night at Pioneer High School, going up 1-0 in the three-game series.
Brownsville Lopez has yet to win a playoff series. The win against the co-District 31-5A champions is a mighty first feather in the cap, but the Lobos are going to need to play another impressive game Friday night to make it to the second round.
The game could be played at a neutral location if the Lobos’ field in Brownsville is not ready for the 7 p.m. start time.
“It was harder than it looked,” Brownsville Lopez head coach Jesse Martinez said. “That is a good team. They are an offensive machine. They get those balls in we are talking about a tie game early, the complexity of the game is completely different.”
Lobos shortstop Alma Lezama drove in the last run for Brownsville Lopez in the top of the sixth to go up 5-1. Lezama also had a double on the night. Pitcher Jenny Shank drove in a run after her shot to the outfield was mishandled in the fourth.
Shank pitched a terrific game. The sophomore never faced more than four batters in an inning, finishing with six strikeouts, and the defense was strong behind Shank. The infield made sure routine grounders stayed that way, and the outfield also made sure fly balls were snagged.
“I think I held it down, and my teammates really pulled through the entire game,” Shank said. “Without them I could not have played the way I did. I am just really proud of them for helping me out as a pitcher because I need them.”
Shank had her run support early.
Chalene Granado, the second batter of the evening, drove in leadoff hitter Amanda Garcia in the first inning. Cayley Granado scored off an error in the second, and Anahi Granado drove in a run in the third to help the Lobos grab a 3-0 lead.
Chalene, Cayley and Anahi Granado, all sisters, were praised heavily by Martinez after the game.
“They are awesome kids,” Martinez said. “They have fantastic character; they love the sport and are incredibly coachable. The most coachable kids I have ever dealt with.”
The Diamondbacks scored their lone run in the third. Valerie Vela hit a leadoff triple and was brought home by Alondra Rodriguez.
The neutral location has yet to be determined if the field is not ready for Game 2.